Looking for inspiration for an active getaway? Combine relaxing coastal views with adventure by embarking on one of these bucket-list island hikes in Europe. Take your pick from the white mountains of Create to the stunning terrain of Corsica for a scenic hiking excursion you will never forget. Hiking boots and camera at the ready!
1. White Mountains: Crete, Greece
Visit the mythical island of Greece for a rejuvenating hike across the White Mountains. Locally known as “Lefka Ori”, the mountains are over 2,000m high and offer stunning views of Western Crete. The mountainous trail has many hiking trails, ranging from 6-hours to full-day hikes. We recommend the 16-km trail through the Samaria Gorge, Europe’s longest gorge. Take the scenic route by venturing through scented pines to get to the “Iron Gates”. This is the narrowest part of the gorge, where the rocks on either side are 600m high! Go through the gorge to get to the beautiful resort of Agia Roumeli, where you can reward yourself with a refreshing swim in the crystal clear blue waters!
2. Vidova Gora: Brač Island, Croatia
Vidova Gora is the highest point on the Adriatic Islands, which means that stunning hiking views are guaranteed! To experience the best of Brač we recommend embarking on an 11-km hike that will take you from the top of the Bol hill down to the beach. Walk through the pinewood forest to get to the top of Vidova Gora, where you will be greeted by stunning views of nearby islands and mainland Croatia. Following the trail, you will eventually reach Zlatni Rat where you can unwind with a dip in the calming waters.
3. Madiera, Portugal
This stunning Portuguese island is the ultimate destination for a trekking holiday. Located in the Atlantic ocean, just off the coast of Africa, the island boasts exotic flora, dramatic mountain ranges, and rugged coastlines. The best way to experience the island’s rugged peaks, eucalyptus-covered trails and vast network of ‘levadas’ is by foot, so make sure you pack your hiking gear! We recommend a 3-5 day walking holiday to fully take in the island’s beauty. Make sure you leave some time at the end of your hike for a swim in the magical Madeira archipelago. The perfect way to end your adventure!
4. GR 20: Corsica, France
Hiking in Corsica is not for the faint-hearted. Venture to the island to undertake one of the most legendary hiking routes in Europe. The GR 20 route is a 180km-long footpath that covers the length of the whole island. It is arguably the most challenging of all the GR routes, taking hikers 15 days to complete. The journey can also be split into a GR20 North and a GR20 South route, each of which takes a week to complete. During your hike, you can take a break to unwind with a swim in the gorgeous glacial lakes of Lac de Melo and Lac de Capitello. At the end of your hike, the ultimate reward awaits the world-famous Palombaggia beach!
5. Adonis Hiking Trail: Akamas, Cyprus
Located in Northwestern Cyprus, the Akamas Peninsula National Park is made up of untouched valleys, gorges, sandy bays and, of course, hiking trails! We recommend taking on the Adonis Nature Trail, a 7.5km loop trail that will take you through the region’s most beautiful natural areas. The trail starts near the Baths of Aphrodite, the legendary spot where the mythic Aphrodite bathed and met her lover Adonis. The trail will then lead you through the luscious area of Kefalovrysia, where you will encounter indigenous flora, natural springs, and stunning views of the turquoise waters below. The hike eventually leads you back to the Baths of Aphrodite, where you can reward yourself with a swim in the legendary waters.
